Waterways charity ...

[Josher]

Clearly there must be demand for this sort of thing from Rickmansworth to Braunston.

 

 

Waterway to help needy canal folk! Captain Jenny Dibsdall, Senior Waterways Chaplain and leader of The Salvation Army in Eaton Bray, says more volunteer chaplains are needed to walk the tow paths along the Grand Union Canal

 

Published on Wednesday 12 October 2011 11:00 Dunstable Today

 

A WATERWAYS chaplaincy service in Eaton Bray is calling for volunteers to help provide pastoral and practical support for people living on the Grand Union Canal. Captain Jenny Dibsdall, senior waterways chaplain and leader of The Salvation Army in the village, says more chaplains are needed to give their time to walk the tow-paths along the stretch of the canal from Rickmansworth to Braunston.

 

The service provides needy boat dwellers with food, clothing, water, benefits advice and a listening ear. Volunteer chaplains are provided with advice and training, a special jacket identifying them as a waterways chaplain and a windlass. Jenny said: “What we need are people to become involved – to adopt a stretch of tow-path or river and commit to walking at least once a week so that they build up relationships with the regular walkers and boaters. “It is not just a gentle stroll along the tow-path as you can come across many challenging issues. Some of the challenges are immense, such as dealing with suicide, or people being sectioned or experiencing violence and the potential loss of their home.”

 

Anyone interested in this kind of ministry and would like more information should call Jenny on 07717 813682 or email jenny.dibsdall@salvationarmy.org.uk

[cotswoldsman]

Ah that lady did help me through a lock on The GU this year. She did not convert me actually religion was not even mentioned just the normal "where are you going?2